Midnight

Has anyone been running Avon Cobras and are you happy with them? It appears Avon no longer makes (or there is a limited supply left) Venom X AM41/42. I have run the Avon Venom X since the OEM Dunlops wore out and am quite happy with the performance on my 2007 Venture. I have been through about 6 rear tires and 4 front ones. I had one experience with cracking but fortunately Avon/Jake Wilson helped out and replaced the tire. Thanks JR

Great advice from "Flyinfool above. You are totally right about the cagers darting in and out. Fortunately we haven't been in a real jam yet. I wish there were some brake system that could be put on these trailers that didn't add a pile of weight. A standard drum type system that is on most trailers is very heavy in itself. Not to mention the control unit you need. I would love to hear about any ideas for a system. I was at a bike show a couple of years ago and the Bushtec trailer rep was there. They had a camper system for a bike they were displaying. It weighed around 350 if I remember right. I mentioned to the rep that I wouldn't be comfy pulling something like that. Especially loaded. He indicated they were working on a braking system for their trailers. Haven't seen or heard of anything yet. JR

We have an Aluma MCT trailer that weighs 200 lbs empty according to the manufacturer. Once loaded I suspect we are towing around 350 lbs two up. I definitely know its back there. We have travelled some 100000 km with no issues. I suspect the bike would pull more BUT I am more concerned about being able to stop or make a quick maneuver. No close calls yet but I do my best to keep my distance and monitor those other folks around me. Any chance the scale reading was incorrect for some reason? If the scale is right I suspect you would be towing around 650-700 lbs depending on how much gear you load up. Not sure how comfortable I would be with that. The other thing to watch out for is how much tongue weight you have as you don't want to overload the rear tire or jeopardize your control. Hopefully others will weigh in so to speak. Good luck and have a safe journey. JR

Couple of places to try, I have dealt with both of them and things worked out O/K. Good luck. JR http://www.yamahasportsplaza.com/oemparts/a/yam/50045f5bf8700209bc794dd2/fuel-tank http://www.partshark.com/oemparts/a/yam/50045f5bf8700209bc794dd2/fuel-tank

We will be travelling on the bike from Chesapeake Va heading towards Maine and eventually eastern Canada. Does anyone have any ideas on how to avoid the eastern seaboard (I-95 corridor). Ideally we would run over/under the Chesapeake bridge tunnel and then follow on up. But we will then end up passing through New Jersey and then New York City which seem to be a bit intimidating. Then Boston. Just wondering if anyone had travelled up the eastern coast and how their experience was? Thanks in advance for sharing. JR

We purchased our Zumo 550 in 2008 with XM radio. Its probably the best accessory we have when we are touring. We use JM plug in headsets. I also installed the Buddy Rich cable and mic mutes. Our intercom/phone/xm has worked flawlessly through our J &M headsets with this setup. We have had 3 Zumo 550 refurbs throughout the years as the Zumo seems to act up every two years. The one we currently have will likely end up acting up soon given Zumo's track record. The refurbs are no longer offered. I read one thread on this site that talked about a place that will repair the 550 and will try it. At some point though we are going to have to replace it. We will continue to use our plug in headsets as the venture has the intercom system. Most new bikes don't have the intercom so when and if we get a new bike we will likely go to Bluetooth headsets. Models offered are Zumo 665 (has XM) and Zumo 590 (No XM definitely a down side). Has anyone replaced their zumo 550 with either the 665 or 590 models? If so what are the pros and cons compared to the 550? A couple of things that come to mind for me are: Will the Buddy rich cable, Mic Mute setup and JM headsets work the same with either the 665 or 590? Is the mounting system different and user friendly? Any help is always appreciated. JR

Hi Rick: We only run one heated vest and the stator keeps up. The Kuryakyn meter is always in the green at throttle . It falls into the yellow/green at idle even if vest isn't plugged in. Not sure what would happen if a second vest/jacket was added. JR

I installed the Kuryakyn chrome one with double sided tape/Velcro. Stuck it over top of the Yamaha emblem on the triple tree. Was easy and looks like it belongs. Protected from weather. Tied into the cigarette lighter behind the fairing. Works great for 5 years now. Installed for same reason as wife wears heated vest. Good luck. JR

2007 Second Gen with 100000km on it. I have purchased new front and rear wheel bearings/seals and new swing arm bearings/seals. Plan on replacing all of them this winter. Does anyone have any experience or tips on how to remove them. Thanks in advance. Jim

I need some opinions/advice/expereinces please. I replaced my friction disks and clutch plates today as I was getting some slip. Currently have 65000 miles on. Had done the spring/friction disk upgrade at approx. 35000 miles so I reused the PCW spring. The friction disks I removed were definitely worn at or below spec. When torqueing up the clutch spring plate to 70 inch pounds I had the feeling that a couple of the bolts were just about to break free and strip. They did torque up. I was being gentle. I put everything back together and plan on riding the rest of the season. It made me think I should get a new clutch boss and replace it for peace of mind. I also wondered if there was anything else I should do when I was in there with it removed or if there were any tricks to getting the clutch boss nut off. It looks like I need a special tool. I also see a there is a push rod with an O ring on it that looks like it will have to come out. I figured I would replace the O ring. Thanks in advance for any experience or advice. JR

I'll follow this thread as I had a similar experience.. My 07 did something similar to what you described a few weeks ago. It was like something slipped. Was accelerating hard from first to second. I wondered about clutch plates but had been through that already a while back after experiencing slip in high gear and resolved it by doing the clutch upgrade. Cant seem to recreate it. I wondered about the rubber inserts the hub pins slip into to?? 60000 miles on bike. Have greased driveshaft splines and hub pins regularly. JR

I would appreciate some opinions and advise. I have an 07 Venture with 60000 miles on it. I have had it since new and have done all the normal maintenance items. At least half of these miles have been pulling our trailer. Have also done clutch/clutch spring upgrade. at about 40000 miles, shock and fuel pump under warranty a few years back. There are two things I have yet to check, have on my list and are likely overdue despite having had no problems yet. They are steering head bearings and rear swing arm bearings. This got me to wondering about wheel bearings as well. How long will they last? Should they be replaced at some point? Are there other things I should be replacing or checking? We have not been broken down on the side of the road yet and bike has performed extremely well. Plan on sending bike to Florida this winter and tour to Texas and then back home to to Ontario Canada in the spring. That will be another 5000 miles or so at least. I want to make sure I've done as many checks as possible to ensure an uneventful trip. Thanks in advance for any advise or experience. JR

http://www.saddlebagsbytalisman.com/ This is where I got mine in London Ontario. Very pleased. JR

Is it possible to replace the rear valve cover gasket without removing the carbs?

I installed the "Buddy Rich" cable 3 years ago with my Zumo 550 and I am very pleased. Its a great solution. I can make and receive calls easily when my phone is linked up via bluetooth to the Zumo. Voice dial even works but works better when you are pulled over because of wind noise. Wind noise can be an issue. It is always best to pull over when making a call for lots of reasons but it does work well when you are moving. I have the J&M stock headsets. I am sure if I upgraded the headset it would perform even better. See link below. http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=15303&highlight=buddyrich+cable

I'll be watching this thread. I would like something that will cover my 38" inseam. I have been using Frogg Toggs along with a pair of Boot covers that go up towards the knee. They are O/K but would like something better.

I run my Avon Rear Veno at 50 psi as per the rating on the side of the tire. Tire seems to wear the best there for me. Also use the Slime Pump when travelling and so far it has held together. http://www.hdforums.com/forum/attachments/touring-models/188206d1306552773-on-board-tools-needed-for-the-ultra-classic-slime-pump-large-.jpg

What did it end up doing to the gear teeth on the differential. I am assuming the female diff gear is made from harder material?

Has anyone else had this happen? It seems that my rear brake pad cover has fallen off somewhere in our travels. Its Yamaha Part # 1NL-25836-00-00 and costs some $25 for a piece of plastic that will likely fall off again. How important is this thing? I assume it keeps dirt and debris out. Not sure how long its been gone. It was there when I checked the pads some 5000km ago. Any comments appreciated. Thanks

Try these cushions from CTC. I've also seeen them at Walmart. I have been using them for two years and they help alot. They go on sale for $9.99. We took the gel portion out of one of these and "doubled it up" with another of the same. Works great. JR http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/AutoAccessories/SeatCushions/PRD~0321419P/Gel%2BSeat%2BCushion.jsp

We are planning a two week trip to Missouri/Arkansas from Ontario. We will cross at Port Huron Michigan and make are way across/down. We plan on stops in St Louis at the arch and Budweiser brewery. Will also stop in Branson for a few days. Then onto Harrison/Eureka springs etc???. Chicago is always a challenge especially on a bike. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to skirt around it so to speak as we come across Michigan/Indianna/Illinois headed for St Louis. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Do a search on "Mic Mutes". I installed them and they helped alot.

3 hrs labour for mine. He had done others before so knew the routine. He also re used my cover gaskets as they were in good shape. I had one shop give an estimate for 8 hrs. That seemed excessive. It was a large shop with lots of overhead.

I have done all my own maintenance but didnt want to tackle the valve thing. I priced around and had estimates anywhere from $200 up to $800. I had mine done at the Yamaha/Honda dealer in Wingham Ontario (Lynn Hoy Enterprise). Its a family owned business. The mechanic is well seasoned and one of the owners. Price was very reasonable (around $200) and included a carb sync. Bike runs great. I did mine last fall at 70,000 km. 2 valves were out slightly. I know its a bit of a ride from where you are but it is something to consider. Good luck. JR

I am currently dealing with Avon sidewall cracking. Seeing this is troubling for sure. Many of us ride and store our bikes at or below freezing. Makes me want to take my wheels off and store them inside during the winter. Does anyone else do this?